Scream

David M. Moir / Miramax

'Scream' SparkNotes version: A group of high school friends are murdered one by one by a "ghostface" killer who uses all of the cliché horror stereotypes (that happen to be pointed out in the film). Young stars include Neve Campbell, Rose McGowan, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore, David Arquette and Courteney Cox. If this were a class it would be: Film appreciation. The rules to horror include: (1) You may not survive the movie if you have sex. (2) You may not survive the movie if you drink or do drugs. (3) You may not survive the movie if you say "I'll be right back." Essay question: By breaking stereotypes and formulaic thinking, does a film itself become a formula? Final grade: A-. Multiple sequels and knockoffs ("I Know What You Did Last Summer," etc.) came to the forefront, and the genre continues to be a strong draw at the box office.

'Scream' SparkNotes version: A group of high school friends are murdered one by one by a "ghostface" killer who uses all of the cliché horror stereotypes (that happen to be pointed out in the film). Young stars include Neve Campbell, Rose McGowan, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore, David Arquette and Courteney Cox. If this were a class it would be: Film appreciation. The rules to horror include: (1) You may not survive the movie if you have sex. (2) You may not survive the movie if you drink or do drugs. (3) You may not survive the movie if you say "I'll be right back." Essay question: By breaking stereotypes and formulaic thinking, does a film itself become a formula? Final grade: A-. Multiple sequels and knockoffs ("I Know What You Did Last Summer," etc.) came to the forefront, and the genre continues to be a strong draw at the box office. (David M. Moir / Miramax)

'Scream' SparkNotes version: A group of high school friends are murdered one by one by a "ghostface" killer who uses all of the cliché horror stereotypes (that happen to be pointed out in the film). Young stars include Neve Campbell, Rose McGowan, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore, David Arquette and Courteney Cox. If this were a class it would be: Film appreciation. The rules to horror include: (1) You may not survive the movie if you have sex. (2) You may not survive the movie if you drink or do drugs. (3) You may not survive the movie if you say "I'll be right back." Essay question: By breaking stereotypes and formulaic thinking, does a film itself become a formula? Final grade: A-. Multiple sequels and knockoffs ("I Know What You Did Last Summer," etc.) came to the forefront, and the genre continues to be a strong draw at the box office.